Microfiche camera with cooperating shutter and light shield

ABSTRACT

A microfiche camera suitable for use in a low cost microfiche system for exposing a plurality of image frame areas on a single card-like film unit. The camera includes a carriage mounted lens that is moved incrementally through linear passes to expose sequential image frame areas disposed in a laterally extending row on the film unit. A shutter that defines an elongated shutter aperture extending along the length of the row cooperates with a light shield, that moves incrementally with the carriage to maintain a shield aperture in operative relation with the lens, for controlling the transmission of scene light to the film unit such that it passes through the lens at each of its sequential imaging positions to expose a corresponding one of the image frame areas, but is blocked from transmission to the other image frame areas in the row during an exposure interval.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to microfilming and, more particularly, itconcerns a microfiche camera suitable for use in a low cost microfichesystem by which an orderly pattern of micro image frames may be formedon a preassembled, card-like film unit of the type used in instantphotography and by which each micro image frame may be subsequentlyviewed as a projected enlargement.

Presently available microfiche systems involve complex and costlyequipment by which documents to be copied are first photographed usuallyon roll or strip film using a specialized camera. The film is thendeveloped and cut to be mounted on apertured cards on which indicia maybe placed for identification of the information recorded on the cardmounted film. The microfiche cards are then cataloged and stored forsubsequent sorting and retrieval of the recorded information by viewing,copying or the like. The facility provided for such systems for spaceconservation, permanence and automated retrieval of recorded informationhave made such systems highly cost effective to large business firms andgovernmental institutions where equipment costs can be justified bylarge volumes of information to be stored.

Because of equipment costs and need for highly trained personnel, mostsmall and moderately sized business establishments can make use of amicrofiche system only by contracting with specialized microfilmingfirms at least for the photographing and microfiche assembly phases ofthe recording procedure. The potential presented to such establishments,however, for less than complete integrity of the microfiche records,loss of security control over confidential information, disruption ofnormal business activities and the like can and often are a deterrent tothe use of microfiche capabilities. It is believed, therefore, that aneed exists for an economical and simply constructed camera suitable foruse in a low cost, easily operated microfiche system by which therecording and retrieval of information may be made available on aroutine basis to firms and businesses which cannot justify theinvestment of capital and personnel training required of existingmicrofiche systems.

The microfiche system is of the type described and claimed in commonlyassigned copending application U.S. Ser. No. 071,939 filed on even dateherewith and entitled "Microfiche System".

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a microfiche camera isprovided which is suitable for use with a microfiche projector andconsole to form a low cost microfiche system wherein the format of aconventional self-developing film unit is used as a card on which aplurality of micro image frames may be recorded and viewed. The consoleincludes a combination camera/projector mount for alternativelyreceiving the camera to record micro images of a plurality of documentssupported successively on a console document mounting glass, or theprojector to project recorded images onto a console image displayscreen.

The camera embodying the present invention is configured to record anorthogonal pattern of micro image frames disposed in rows and columns onsuch a film unit. The rows are formed by indexing or incrementallyadvancing a carriage mounting a lens through linear passes laterallyacross the film unit and transmitting scene light through the lens ateach lateral step to expose a linear row of successive image frame areason the film unit. After each linear pass, the film unit is advanced onerow increment longitudinally relative to the lens in preparation forexposing the next parallel row of image frame areas. Successive rows ofimage frames then define the longitudinal columns.

More particularly, the present invention provides such a camera havingcooperable means in the form of a shutter and a light shield that movesincrementally with the lens carriage for controlling the transmission ofscene light so that it passes through the lens at each of its sequentialimaging positions to expose a corresponding one of the image frame areasbut is blocked from transmission to the other image frame areas in therow.

Accordingly, the camera includes a lens carriage mounting the lens forincremental movement to bring the lens into imaging relation withsuccessive image frame areas disposed in a row on the film unit; ashutter for defining a reclosable elongated shutter aperture extendingalong the length of the row to permit transmission of scene light forexposure of each of the image frame areas during an exposure interval;and a light shield having an aperture therein and being mounted forincremental movement with the lens carriage to maintain the shieldaperture in operative relation with the lens to thereby restrict scenelight transmitted through the shutter aperture to one of the image frameareas having the lens in imaging relation therewith and block thetransmission of such light to the other image frame areas during theexposure interval.

The shutter preferably includes opening and closing shutter blades thateach have elongated openings therein. The blades are normally located inan initial position with their openings out of alignment to define aclosed shutter condition. From the initial position the blades are movedtogether to a cocked position where the closing blade is latched. Theopening blade is then moved back to the initial position so that theblade openings are aligned to define the shutter aperture fortransmitting scene light. The opening blade then releases the latch andthe closing blade returns to the initial position to terminate exposure.

In a preferred embodiment the light shield includes a flexible lightopaque apron coupled to the carriage for movement therewith, with theshield aperture about the lens, and a pair of rollers at the ends of theapron on which the apron is wound and unwound respectively in responseto such movement of the apron.

Also, the camera may additionally include a source of exposureillumination, such as an electronic strobe unit, and at least one of theblades may be provided with an actuator for actuating the illuminationsource when the blades are positioned to define the shutter aperture.

Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide aneconomical and simply constructed camera suitable for use in a low costmicrofiche system and including a carriage mounted lens that is moved inincrements to expose a plurality of image frame areas on a singlecard-like film unit.

Other objects of the invention include: the provision of such a camerahaving a cooperable shutter and a light shield, that is movable with thecarriage, for controlling the transmission of scene light to the filmunit so that it passes through the lens at each of its sequentialimaging positions but is not transmitted to other image frame areas in alaterally extending row; the provision of such a camera wherein theshutter includes opening and closing blades that cooperate to define anelongated shutter aperture extending along the length of the row topermit transmission of scene light to each of the image frame areastherein; and the provision of such a camera wherein the light shieldincludes a flexible apron coupled to the carriage for movement therewithwith a shield aperture about the lens and a pair of rollers at the endsof the apron on which it is wound and unwound in response to apronmovement.

Other objects and further scope of applicability of the invention willbe apparent from the detailed description to follow taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which like parts are designated bylike reference numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the console andcamera of the present invention used in the microfiche system;

FIG. 2 is a similar exploded perspective view illustrating the consoleand the projector of the system;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the console illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating camera housingcomponents;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating exposure componentsof the camera;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the components of afilm unit advance mechanism incorporated in the camera of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating the front face of thecamera of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section on line 8--8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the camera with one sidewall panel thereofremoved;

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a shutter mechanism incorporated inthe camera of the invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the components used in theshutter illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12-16 are schematic side elevations in partial cross-sectionillustrating the operation of the shutter shown in FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation similar to FIG. 9;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-section on line 18--18 of FIG.17;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-section similar to FIG. 18 butillustrating components in a different condition of operation;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a film unit used in the microfiche system;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-section on line 21--21 of FIG.20;

FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the projector with external housingcomponents removed;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-section on line 23--23 of FIG. 22; and

FIG. 24 is a cross-section on line 24--24 of FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, primary components used in the microfichesystem are shown to include a console 10, a camera 12 of the presentinvention and a projector 14. Although details of the camera 12 andprojector 14 are illustrated more completely in other drawing figures towhich reference will be made in the description to follow, it will beseen in FIGS. 1-3 that the console 10 is constituted by a box-likeenclosure having top and bottom walls 16 and 18, front and rear walls 20and 22 and sidewalls 24 and 26, respectively.

Provided in side-by-side relationship in the top wall 16 of the consoleis a combination document mounting and image display area, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 28, and a camera/projector mount 30.The mounting and display area 28 is more particularly constituted by arectangular opening 32 in the top wall 16 in which a transparentdocument mounting glass 34 is fixedly supported. Also supported from thetop wall to overlie the glass 34 is a hinged image display screen 36 anda hinged cover 38. Though not illustrated as such in the drawing, thescreen 36 is translucent or frosted and preferably incorporates Fresnellens on one surface. The screen 36 and the door or cover 38 are shownpivotally mounted at the rear edge of the opening 32 by a common hinge40.

The camera/projector mount 30 is in the nature of a well in the top wall16 to provide a generally planar well floor 42 circumscribed on threesides by a pair of sidewalls 44 and 46 joined by a rear wall 48. Thefloor 42 is provided with a rectangular window 50 and a pair of latchingapertures 52 by which either the camera 12 or projector 14 may belatched in the mount 30 in a manner to be described.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, the interior of the console 10 supportsreflective means, specifically a pair of mirrors 53 and 54 by which acoherent light image may be transmitted between the mounting and displayarea 28 and the region of the mount 30. The mirrors 53 and 54 areadjustably supported by brackets 56 and 58, respectively, so that animage presented at the mounting and display area 28 may be transmittedto or from the focal plane F of a lens L aligned with the window 50 inthe mount floor 42.

It will be noted that the front wall 20 of the console 10 is inclinedupwardly and forwardly from the bottom wall 18 and carries a pair ofspaced mounting feet 60 on its exterior. The console 10 may be supportedon the bottom wall 18 for photographing documents situated on thetransparent mounting glass 34 when the camera 12 is received in themount 30, all as depicted by FIG. 1 of the drawings. As illustrated inFIG. 2, when the projector 14 is received in the mount 30, the console10 may be tilted forwardly to be supported by the feet 60. This featurenot only facilitates document image display on the screen 36 to oneseated at a table, for example, on which the console 10 is supported,but also the cover 38, when swung upwardly to the position shown in FIG.2, functions as a light shield for the screen 36 to which a documentimage is projected for viewing. In this respect, the cover hinge 40 maybe provided with appropriate spring means (not shown) for retaining thecover 38 in the position shown in FIG. 2.

The camera 12 embodying the present invention is of the type havingcertain of its aspects relating to camera actuation and lens and filmtransport described and claimed in commonly assigned copendingapplication U.S. Ser. No. 072,051 filed on even date herewith andentitled "Microfiche Camera With Lens And Film Transport System".

Structural details of the camera 12 are illustrated in FIGS. 4-19 of thedrawings. An understanding of the camera 12 and its operation, however,will be facilitated by reference first to FIGS. 20 and 21 whichillustrate the format and construction of a film unit or microfiche 62to be recorded by the camera. As shown in these figures, theconstruction of the microfiche 62 is essentially identical tophotographic film units available commercially under the tradedesignation "POLAROID SX-70 LAND FILM" from Polaroid Corporation,Cambridge, Massachusetts. As such, the microfiche 62 has an imagereceiving area defined by a pair of polyester sheets 64 and 66 retainedin superimposed coextensive relationship by a frame 68 of such materialas paper or foil. One marginal edge 70 of the frame is relatively wideto house or enclose a pod 72 of processing fluid which is spreaduniformly over one or more layers of photochemical materials (not shown)sandwiched between the sheets 64 and 66 upon passage of the unit 62through the nip of a pressure roller pair as is now well known in theart. In the conventional film unit, the sheet 66 is opaque as anincident to providing a positive photographic print and for otherreasons. In the microfiche 62, however, both polyester sheets 64 and 66are transparent. In addition, the photochemical material between thesheets 64 and 66 is designed so that when processed, it provides anegative image transparency of a type conventionally employed in themicrofilming art.

As shown in FIG. 20, the image receiving area of the microfiche 62 maybe subdivided to provide forty-nine micro image areas or frames 74arranged in several lateral rows designated 1-7 and seven longitudinalcolumns designated A-G. The manner in which the frames 74 are recordedby the camera 12 in conjunction with the console 10 and viewed using theprojector 14 either alone or also in conjunction with the console 10will be understood from the description to follow.

Although the camera 12 is oriented in use so that it faces downwardly asshown in FIG. 1, the illustration of the camera and the componentsthereof in FIGS. 4-19 are inverted in the interest of providing drawingclarity and consistency of illustrated component orientation. As may beseen in FIGS. 1 and 4, therefore, the camera includes an exteriorhousing constituted by generally rectangular front and back walls 76 and78, sidewalls 80 and 82 and end walls 84 and 86, respectively. A filmpack well 88 is accessible through a hinged door 90 which opens from theback wall 78. Also, an actuating button 92 is presented in the back wall78 between the door 90 and the corner joining the back wall 78, thesidewall 80 and the end wall 86.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 4, the major portion of the camera housingis provided by an integral molding of the back wall 78, the sidewall 82and end walls 84 and 86. The sidewall 80 and the front wall 76 areseparate panel moldings for purposes of camera component assembly aswill be seen from the description to follow.

The interior of the back wall 78, sidewalls 82 and end walls 84 and 86are shaped to receive a fixed gate assembly generally designated by thereference numeral 94 and shown most clearly in FIGS. 5 and 8. Theassembly 94 includes a channel-like support member 96 of metal or othermaterial possessing the strength and machining characteristics of metalto provide an essentially planar guide plate 98 and a pair of upstandingside flanges 100 and 102. An objective lens 104 is mounted in a lenscarriage 106 in turn supported for lateral sliding movement on a pair ofparallel guide rods 108 supported at their ends in the flanges 100 and102. The lens carriage includes a cam follower 110 adapted to engage ina double helix cam groove 112 formed in a rotatable barrel cam 114. Thebarrel cam includes a pair of stub axles 116 at opposite ends to bejournalled in the flanges 100 and 102. An electronic strobe lamp 118 andassociated electronic circuitry (not shown) is adapted to be received inthe fixed gate assembly 94 between the flanges 100 and 102 and betweenthe lens carriage 106 and the end wall 86.

As may be seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7-9, in the assembled camera, the lens104 is positioned to be aligned with a rectangular exposure window 120in the front wall panel 76 whereas the strobe lamp 118 will bepositioned in a relatively large rectangular window 122, it beingunderstood that the combined area occupied by the face of strobe unit118 and the exposure window 120 will fit within the area of therectangular window 50 in the floor of the mount 30 in the console 10(FIG. 1). Mounting lugs 123 project from the front wall 76 to registerwith the latching apertures 52 and thus assure correlation of cameracomponents with the mount 30 of the console 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the exposure window 120 is covered by a firstpolarizing filter (not shown) and the rectangular window 122 for strobeunit 118 is covered by a second polarizing filter (not shown) that hasits plane of polarization crossed with respect to the plane ofpolarization of the first filter. These filters are provided tosubstantially reduce glare in the optical path to lens 104 caused by theback reflection of strobe light from the document mounting glass 34.

Positioned between the front wall 76 and the top of the lens carriage106 is a light shield or blind assembly 124 (FIG. 5). The assembly 124includes a light shielding frame 126 adapted to be secured in thesidewalls 80 and 82 in a position to lie slightly forward of the planeof the forwardly (upwardly in FIGS. 4-19) presented end surface of thelens carriage 106. The frame 126 supports along its length, a lightshielding apron 128 having an aperture 130 adapted to register with thelens 104 by securement of the apron 128 directly to the lens carriage106. Opposite ends of the apron 128 are wound in convolutions aboutrollers 132 and 134 journalled in the frame 126. Preferably, the apron128 is formed of resilient material such as stainless steel foilprestressed so that it will pay in and out of the wound convolutions onthe rollers 132 and 134 by itself as the aperture 130 is movedtransversely with the carriage 106. Though not shown in the drawings,appropriate labyrinth or other types of light seals will be provided torestrict passage of light through the exposure window 120 to that whichpasses the opening 130 in the apron 128.

As may be seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, the guide plate 98 is provided witha plurality of framing gate apertures 136 extending laterally of theassembly 94 and with which lens 104 is brought into imaging relationsequentially as carriage 106 traverses the guide rods 108. In theillustrated embodiment, seven such framing gate apertures 136 areprovided and correspond to the columns A-G mentioned above with respectto the microfiche 62 in FIG. 20.

Positioned behind the guide plate 98 is a film pressure plate assembly138. The assembly 138 includes a mounting plate 140 adapted to besecured against the interior of the back wall 78 and supporting aplurality of pressure pads 142 in a position to underlie the framinggate apertures 136. Each of the pressure pads 142 is comprised of ablock of foam-like material secured by adhesive to the mounting plate140 and carrying at its forwardly disposed end a low friction cap 144 ofpolyester film or similar material.

As may be seen in FIGS. 4 and 7-9 of the drawings, the film pack well 88is designed to receive a film pack 146 containing a plurality of themicrofiche cards or film units 62 and presenting the film units so thatthe uppermost unit in the pack 146 will lie against the back of theguide plate 98. By means to be described in more detail below, the filmunit or microfiche 62 thus lying against the back of the plate 98 willbe fed forwardly toward the end wall 84 in the plane of the back surfaceof the guide plate 98 between the friction caps 144 of the pressure pads142 and the framing gate apertures 136. In this way, the photosensitivechemicals between the polyester sheets 64 and 66 of the unit 62 will beretained precisely in the focal plane of the lens 104.

In FIGS. 6, 9 and 17-19, an incremental film unit advance mechanism,generally designated by the reference numeral 148, is shown to include apick assembly 150, a brake 152 and a drive lever 154. As shown mostclearly in FIG. 6, the pick assembly 150 is positioned for longitudinalmovement between a pick retaining plate 156, adapted to be secured bytabs 158 to the back side of ledge formations 160 on the interior of thesidewall panel 80, and the sidewall 80. In addition, a longitudinal slot162 in the back wall 78 positions the pick assembly 150 for rectilinearfore and aft movement within the camera interior.

The pick assembly 150 is constituted by a plate-like pick slide 164having ratchet teeth 166 on its forwardly projecting edge and carrying afilm unit engaging hook or pick 168 near its rear end. A bracket 170projects laterally from the front end of the slide 164 on the sidethereof opposite from the side on which the hook 168 is mounted. Thebracket includes a foot-like handle 172 and a return spring tab 174 fromwhich an elongated tension spring 176 extends to an anchorage in thecamera housing. Also, a brake release pin 180 projects from the pickslide 164 at the rear end thereof and on the same side as the bracket170.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 6, 18 and 19, the brake 152 is in thenature of a plate pivoted on a post 182 in a brake well 184 formed inthe back wall 78. The brake includes an upstanding arcuate brakingsurface 186 eccentric with respect to the axis of the pivot post 182 andarranged to wedge the pick slide 164 against the sidewall panel 80 andthe outer side surface of the groove 162 in the back wall 78. A tensionspring 188 extending between a post 190 adjacent the arcuate brakingsurface 186 and a post 192 fixed in the well 184 biases the brake towardan engaging position so long as the spring is aligned on the same sideof the pivot post 182 as the surface 186. The brake 152 carries a pairof upstanding posts 194 and 196 in a position to be opposite of the pickslide 164 from the pivot post 182. The post 196 is positioned to bealigned with the brake release pin 180 carried by the slide 164 so thatat the forward end limit of travel, the pin 180 will engage the brakepost 196 to pivot the brake 152 until the spring 186 passes over thepivot post 182. After the spring passes a dead-center position inalignment with the pivot post 182, it will swing the brake to theposition shown in FIG. 19 in which the arcuate braking surface 186clears the pick slide 164. When the pick slide 164 is returned by thespring 176, the foot 172 on the bracket 170 will engage the post 194 onthe brake 152 to return the brake 152 to an active or operativeposition. The brake 152 will, therefore, retain the pick slide 164against the spring 176 and in the position to which it is advanced bythe drive lever 154 in a manner to be described.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 17 of the drawings, the drive lever 154 ispivoted about an axis 200 by a pivot shaft 202 supported in the flange102 of the fixed gate assembly support member 96. The drive leversupports a pivotal pawl 204 at one end in a position to engage the teeth166 on the pick slide 164 and carries a cam follower 206 projecting fromthe outside thereof at a position spaced from the pawl 204 and the pivot202. The follower 206 is positioned to be engaged by a cam lobe 208 on acam wheel 210 rotatable about an axis 212 and supported by the flange102. The cam wheel 210 carries a drive ratchet 214 and a gear 216. Asshown in FIG. 17, the gear 216 meshes with a reset ratchet gear 218having a relatively small drive gear 220 in mesh with a pinion gear 222keyed to the barrel cam 114.

As shown in FIG. 9, the actuating button 92 is depressable manuallyagainst a return spring 224 and a bell crank lever 226 pivoted on a post228. The bell crank lever 226 is pivotally connected to an elongateddrive pawl 230 located to engage the drive ratchet 214. From theorganization of components illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 17, therefore, itwill be appreciated that the drive pawl 230 will be actuated each timethe push button 92 is depressed to rotate the drive ratchet 214 and camwheel 210 the increment of one tooth spacing on the drive ratchet 214. Acombination of drive ratio in the gearing 216, 218, 220 and 222 willrotate the barrel cam 114 so that the cam track 112 thereon will advancethe lens carriage 106 laterally by a suitable distance to bring it intoproper imaging relation with each of the framing gate apertures 136 inthe guide plate 98.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the lens carriage 106may be advanced through seven lateral increments as a result of theseven teeth on the drive ratchet 214. Also, it will be appreciated thatthe cam wheel 210 will be rotated through one revolution for each sevenstrokes of the drive pawl 230 and that the cam lobe 208 will actuate thedrive lever 154 once for each complete revolution of the cam wheel 210.

With reference again to FIGS. 5 and 20, it will be noted that assumingan appropriate initial positioning of the film unit 62 behind theframing gate apertures 136 so that these apertures register with alateral area or strip corresponding to Row #1, the lens 104 will besuccessively positioned at each column A through G for each rotationalincrement of the cam wheel 210 and drive ratchet 214. In this respect,and as shown in FIG. 5, the double helix cam track 112 terminates atopposite ends in dwell sectors 112a which extend partially around theperiphery of the barrel cam 114 without pitch or axial throw. Thus whilethe follower 110 of the lens carriage 106 is located in the dwellsectors 112a, no lateral movement of the carriage 106 will occurthroughout that increment of rotation in the drive ratchet 214 duringwhich the cam lobe 208 actuates the drive lever 154 to advance the pickslide 164 through a longitudinal increment of film unit movement. As aresult, the carriage and lens will remain aligned with Column A orColumn G while the film unit 62 is shifted longitudinally betweenconsecutive rows. Thus, the cam track 112 and incremental advance of thepick slide 164 by the drive lever 154 at the end of each Row #1-7, willcause the lens 104 to traverse the path of image frame areas 74 inoppositely directed, lateral passes as represented by the dashed arrowin FIG. 20.

It should be noted that when lens 104 is moved to bring it into imagingrelation with gate apertures 136 on either side of the middle gateaperture 136 it is displaced slightly from an optical centerline runningto the object plane defined by document mounting glass 34. This maycause the image formed by lens 104 at the off center gate apertures 136to suffer from perspective distortion.

To alleviate this problem, cam 114 may be configured so that lens 104 iscentered with respect to the middle gate aperture 136 but is slightlydecentered with respect to the other gate apertures 136 to compensatefor such distortion.

Exposure of the film unit at each of the micro image frames 74illustrated in FIG. 20 is effected by a shutter 232 operated inconjunction with the strobe unit 118. Although the relative location ofthe shutter 232 is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 17 of the drawings,details of this mechanism are illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 10-16 ofthe drawings. As shown in these latter figures, the shutter 232 includesan opening blade 234 having a rectangular opening 236 and a slottedbracket 238 secured to the bell crank lever 226 in a manner to be movedtherewith. A closing blade 240 having a rectangular opening 242 overliesthe opening blade 234 and is biased to a rearward position by a spring244 extending from a fixed anchorage in the camera housing to a tab 246.The closing blade 240 also includes a lateral abutment tab 248positioned to be engaged by an upstanding tab 250 on the opening blade234. A latch bar 252 having a latching tang 254 at one end and adepending arm 256 at the other end is biased by a spring 258 toward aposition in which the end 254 will engage the tab 246 on the closingblade 240. A depending post 260 on the opening blade 234 is positionedto engage a tang 262 on the latch bar 252. Also, a depending switch tab264 is provided on the opening blade 234 and a complementary switch tab265 is provided on closing blade 240. Operation of the shutter will beapparent from the sequence of shutter blade positions illustrated inFIGS. 12-16 in which the position of the framing gate apertures 136 isrepresented by the dashed lines 136'. Also, a switch 266 for actuatingthe circuitry (not shown) of the strobe lamp 118 is illustratedschematically in these figures.

In FIGS. 12-16 it will be observed that in the initial position (FIG.12), the closing blade 240 is biased by the spring 244 to its rearwardmost position. Also, the depending tab 260 on the opening blade 234retains the latch 252 in a disengaged condition. As the actuating button92 is depressed, the opening blade 234 moves forward, carrying with itthe closing blade 234 as a result of the tab 250 engaging the tab 248.When the button 92 has been depressed fully, the blades occupy theposition shown in FIG. 13 in which the opening 242 of the closing blade240 is aligned with the framing gate apertures 136 and thus with thelens 104. Also in this condition, the latch bar 252 moves intoengagement with the tang 246 on the closing blade to retain it in theposition shown in FIGS. 13-15. When the push button 92 is released, theopening blade begins to return as shown in FIG. 14 and when the openings242 and 236 come into complete registry (FIG. 15) the tabs 264 and 265close switch 266 to fire the strobe and the depending tab 260 engagesthe tab 262 on the arm 256 to disengage the latch 252. Thereafter theclosing blade 240 returns to its original position (FIG. 16) to completethe shutter operation. It is to be noted that the primary exposure ateach micro image frame is determined by the strobe so that it isnecessary only that the blades remain open for a long enough period oftime for the exposure to occur. Also, it will be noted that the openings236 and 242 in the shutter blades are coextensive with all of theframing gate apertures 136. Because of the apron blind 128, however,only that film portion behind the aperture 136 aligned with the lens 104will be exposed.

It will be observed that each of the camera mechanisms identified thusfar are mechanically interrelated to be operated by a manual forceapplied to the actuating button 92. Also, the handle 172 on the pickslide mounted bracket 170 extends through a slot 268 (FIG. 4) in thesidewall panel 80 to be manually accessible. Hence, each microfiche unit62 may be advanced from the film pack 146 manually by adjustment of thehandle 172 to advance the film unit 62 until the leading edge of theimage receiving area is oriented such that Row #1 (FIG. 20) is alignedunder the framing gate apertures 136. Exposure of the individual microimage areas may proceed as explained by manual depression of theactuating button 92 (assuming the camera to be mounted on the console 10and that documents to be copied are successively positioned on themounting glass 34) until the micro image frame at Row #7, Column G isexposed. Because of the facility for advancing the film unit manually byusing the handle 172 to advance the pick slide 164 and with it, the filmunit 62 behind the guide plate 98, it is not necessary that all of themicro image frames 74 on a given microfiche 62 be used. It is necessary,however, for the film unit 62 to be processed after exposure of theseveral micro image areas 74 thereon and preferable that the lenscarriage 106 be returned to its initial starting position (Column A) inreadiness for the next microfiche or film unit 62. The camera mechanismfor achieving these latter functions may be understood by reference toFIGS. 9 and 17 of the drawings.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 17, a pair of processing rollers 270 arepositioned adjacent a discharge opening 272 in the end wall 84 of thecamera housing. The processing rollers are arranged to be driven througha gear train 274 by an electric motor 276 secured to a bracket formation278 (FIG. 6) on the pick retainer plate 156. Although the circuitry forthe electric motor 276 is not illustrated in the drawings, it isdesigned so that the motor will be energized upon the closure of eitherone of two switches 280 and 282 (FIG. 17). The switch 280 is a normallyopen switch positioned to be engaged and closed when the pick slide 164reaches the forward end limit of its travel. The position of the switch280 and length of the pick slide 164 is correlated so that when theleading end of the pick slide 164 engages and closes the switch 280, theleading end of the film unit 62 being advanced by the pick slide will bepresented at the nip between the processing rollers 270. As a result ofthis and energization of the motor 276, the processing rollers 270 willbe driven and the pressure thereof effective to rupture the processingfluid pod 72 and eject the exposed film unit 62 through the dischargeopening 272.

It will be recalled from the previous description of the pick slide 164and the brake 152 that the pick slide will be automatically retracted byengagement of the pin 180 with the post 196 on the brake. This actionoccurs simultaneously with closure of the switch 280. To preventinterruption of the circuit to the motor 276, the switch 282 is closedby rotatable cam 284 incorporated in the gear train 274. The switch 282will remain closed to maintain operation of the electric motor 276 afterthe switch 280 has been opened and for as long as is necessary tocompletely eject the film unit through the opening 272.

In addition to driving the processing rollers 270 to eject the film unit262 from the camera, the drive motor also operates a reset mechanism bywhich the lens carriage 106 is returned to its initial or startingposition. In this latter respect, a reset ratchet wheel 286 is coupledfor rotation with the gear 218 which is linked through gears 220 and 222with the barrel cam 114. As may be seen in FIG. 17, the ratchet wheel286 is provided with a series of teeth 288, of which one tooth 290 istwice the length of the others. The ratchet teeth 288 are arranged to beengaged by a reciprocating return pawl 292 driven by an eccentric 294incorporated in the gear train 274. In light of this organization,during the time that the electric motor 276 is operating, the pawl 292will be reciprocated to rotate the ratchet 286 and the barrel cam 114 inthe same direction from that in which the barrel cam was driven by thedrive ratchet 214 until the double tooth 290 is in registry with thethrow of the pawl 292. At that point, the pawl will no longer beeffective to rotate the return ratchet wheel 286. Also, at that point,the barrel cam 114 will be positioned to locate the lens carriage 106 inits initial or starting position (i.e. Column A) and with the follower110 at the start of a dwell sector 112a at that end of the cam track112.

Operation of the camera 12 and the console 10 in general to microfilm aplurality of documents is believed apparent from the preceedingdescription. In other words, the camera 12, loaded with the film pack146, is placed in the console mount 30 and positioned by the lugs 123engaging in the apertures 52. Thereafter, the pick slide 164 isadjusted, using the handle 172 to bring the initial film unit 62 to astarting position. Though not shown in the drawings, the startingposition may be indicated very simply by indicia on the exterior surfaceof the sidewall panel 80 in the region of the slot 268. Also, the apron128 may carry indicia visible through a window (not shown) in thesidewall panel 80 so that the correlation of each document copied with agiven micro image area 74 may be recorded.

Each document to be copied is placed on the document mounting glass 34and is photographed merely by depressing the actuating button 92 on thecamera 12. Specifically, as the actuating button is depressed, the drivepawl 230 engages the drive ratchet to rotate the barrel cam 114 and movethe lens carriage through a lateral increment of distance correspondingto the spacing of two framing gate apertures 136 unless the carriagefollower is positioned in a dwell sector 112a in the cam track 112. Inthe latter event, the carriage will not move and remain, for example,aligned with the image frame area 74 at Row #1, Column A. Also suchdepression of the actuating button 92 will move the shutter 232 to theposition shown in FIG. 13. When the button 93 is released, the drivepawl 230 is retracted and the shutter 232 opened (FIGS. 14 and 15) tofire the strobe lamp 118 and expose the image frame area with which thelens 104 is aligned. A new document is placed on the glass 34 and theprocedure repeated.

When all image areas 74 are exposed, the pick slide 164 will be advancedto close the switch 280 and actuate the motor 276 to process anddischarge the exposed microfiche from the camera. In this respect, theopening 84 will be equipped with dark chamber (not shown) into which theexposed and processed unit 62 will be retained until the chemicalinteraction of the processing fluid with the photochemistry of the unitis completed. As indicated, microfilming on any given microfiche or filmunit 62 may be terminated simply by advancing the pick slide 164manually until the motor 276 is actuated by closure of the switch 280.

The construction and operation of the projector 14 may be understood byreference to FIGS. 2 and 22-24 of the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 22-24,the projector 14 includes an exterior housing of a configuration toestablish a dome-like shell 300 closed at its base by a panel 302. Amounting base 304 extends the length of the projector and is supportedfrom the panel 302 by depending brackets 306. A pair of mounting lugs308 project from the base 304 in positions to register with the latchingapertures 52 in the console mount 30. In addition, a tab 310 projectsfrom the end of the base 304 opposite from the lugs 308 to engage in arecess 311 (FIG. 1) in the rear wall 48 of the console mount 30.

Interior projector components are supported from the panel 302. A lensmount 312 is secured directly to the panel 302 in an aperture locatedcentrally thereof and carries an adjustable projection lens 314. Thelens 314 is coupled by a plunger 316 with a cam wheel 318 connected by ashaft 320 to a focusing knob 322 accessible through the shell 300.

Though adjustable for focus, the axis of the lens 314 is fixed andaligned with a projection lamp 324 supported within the dome-like cavityof the shell 300. The lamp 324 is adapted to be connected with anexternal source of electrical power by a power cord 326 (FIG. 2).

Situated between the projection lamp 324 and the lens 314 is amicrofiche carriage 328. The carriage 328 includes an elongated,transversely movable rectangular frame 330 slidably supported on a pairof guide rods 332 secured in upstanding tabs 334 on opposite sides ofthe support panel 308. The frame 330 thus defines a pair of parallel andlongitudinal guideways 336 on opposite sides. Supported slidably by theguide rails 336 is a longitudinally movable microfiche retaining frame338 to which a cover frame 340 is pivoted by a hinge 342. The coverframe 340 has a lift tab 344 on the end thereof opposite from the hinge342.

Movement of the retaining frame 338 in mutually orthogonal directions iseffected by a positioning knob and shaft 346 rotatable in the elongatedframe 330 but secured against axial displacement with respect to theframe 330 such as by clips 348. Rotatably keyed on the shaft 46 arefriction wheels 350 in a position to engage the longitudinal sides ofthe retaining frame 338. Thus, it will be seen that lateral ortransverse movement of the microfiche carrier frame 338 is effected byaxial movement of the shaft 346 whereas longitudinal movement of thecarrier 338 is effected by rotation of the shaft 346.

The exterior shell 300 is provided with an access opening 352 to whichthe microfiche retaining frame 338 may be advanced by manipulation ofthe shaft 346. By grasping the tab 344 and lifting the hinged coverframe 340, the microfiche 62, previously exposed using the camera 12,may be dropped onto the frame 338 under the frame 340. The microfichethus secured in the carriage 336 may be positioned so that any one ofthe micro image areas 74 will become aligned with the lens 314 and thelamp 324.

Thus, with the projector mounted on the console 10 as depicted in FIG. 2of the drawings, the screen 36 is positioned over the mounting glass 34and the projection lamp 324 energized an enlargement of each microfilmimage 74 may be projected onto the screen 36. Registration of the imagewith the screen is effected very simply by adjustment of the controlshaft 346 and focus controlled by the focusing knob 322.

Although use of the projector 14 with the console 10 in the manneraforementioned is desirable, it is contemplated also that the projector14 may be used with a separate projection screen by mounting theprojector in a stand (not shown). In this way, greatly enlarged imagesof the microfilm documents may be observed.

Thus it will be seen that as a result of the present invention, a highlyeffective microfiche system is provided which is compact, relativelysimple and suited to low-cost manufacture, and capable of completeoperation by a person having little or no knowledge of microfilmingequipment. The format of the film unit 62 not only facilitates labelingon the relatively wide marginal edge 70 thereof but also the location ofimage carrying materials between the polyester sheets 64 and 66 preventsdeterioration of the microfilmed images through use of the cards.

It is contemplated and believed to be apparent to those skilled in theart from the preceeding description and drawing illustrations, thatmodifications and/or changes may be made in the disclosed embodimentswithout meaningful departure from the invention. Accordingly, it isexpressly intended that the foregoing is illustrative of preferredembodiments only, not limiting, and that the true spirit and scope ofthe invention be determined by reference to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera for exposing a plurality of image frameareas on a single card-like film unit, said camera comprising:means forlocating the film unit at a film plane in position for exposure; animaging lens; a lens carriage mounting said lens for incrementalmovement to bring said lens into imaging relation with successive imageframe areas disposed in a row on the film unit; a shutter for defining areclosable elongated shutter aperture extending along the length of saidrow to permit transmission of scene light for exposure of each of saidimage frame areas during an exposure interval; and a light shield havingan aperture therein and being movable in increments with said lenscarriage for maintaining said shield aperture in operative relation withsaid lens to thereby restrict scene light transmitted through saidshutter aperture to one of said image frame areas having said lens inimaging relation therewith and block the transmission of such scenelight to the other image frame areas during said exposure interval. 2.The camera of claim 1 wherein said light shield is disposed between saidshutter and said carriage.
 3. The camera of claim 1 wherein said shieldis coupled to said carriage for movement therewith.
 4. The camera ofclaim 3 wherein said light shield includes a flexible opaque apronsecured to said carriage with said shield aperture about said lens. 5.The camera of claim 4 further including a pair of rollers at oppositeends of said apron so that said apron is wound on one of said rollersand unwound from the other of said rollers in response to movement ofsaid apron.
 6. The camera of claim 5 wherein said apron is of aprestressed resilient material so as to be self-winding and unwindingwith respect to said rollers upon movement of said apron with saidcarriage.
 7. The camera of claim 3 further including manually controlledcommon actuating means for operating said shutter and said carriage. 8.The camera of claim 1 further including actuating means for operatingsaid shutter, said actuating means being manually movable from a firstposition to a second position and being biased for automatic return tosaid first position upon manual release thereof and wherein said shutterincludes an opening blade having an elongated opening therein and beingcoupled to said actuating means for movement from an initial position toa cocked position in response to movement of said actuating means fromsaid first to said second position and being returnable to said initialposition in response to the return of said actuating means to said firstposition, a closing blade having an elongated opening therein and beingbiased independently of said opening blade to said initial positionwherein said blade openings do not overlap to provide a closed shuttercondition, means for coupling said closing blade to said opening bladefor movement therewith from said initial position to said cockedposition in said closed shutter condition wherein said opening of saidclosing blade is aligned with said row of image frame areas, means forreleasably latching said closing blade in said cocked position so thatsaid opening blade may move relative to said closing blade toward saidinitial position and locate said opening of said opening blade inregistered relation with said opening of said closing blade to definesaid shutter aperture for effecting exposure of an image frame area, andmeans on said opening blade for releasing said latch means when saidopening blade returns to said initial position to free said closingblade for return to said initial position to terminate exposure.
 9. Thecamera of claim 8 wherein said opening and closing blades move in adirection that is substantially transverse to the direction of movementof said carriage.
 10. The camera of claim 8 further including a sourceof exposure illumination, a normally open switch configured to be closedto operate said illumination source and means on at least one of saidblades for closing said switch when said blade openings are inregistration to define said shutter aperture.